Pakistan summons UK envoy to protest 'Free Balochistan' slogans on London cabs

Pakistan summoned the British High Commissioner in Islamabad on Friday to protest the “Free Balochistan” slogans being displayed on London cabs that it said attacked the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua summoned the British High Commissioner in Pakistan Thomas Drew over slogans being displayed on London taxis.

According to a statement released by the Foreign Office, “the high commissioner was informed that Pakistan, in line with the UN Charter, rejects actions and advertisements with malicious content that impinge on our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

”The issue is also being raised with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office by the Pakistan High Commissioner in London, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

“Pakistan is aware of the intentions of such sinister and malicious campaigns, which should not be allowed on the soil of a friendly country,” the statement said.

According to media reports, “Free Balochistan” slogans appeared on taxis in London. In September 2017, Pakistan had summoned the Swiss ambassador over the public display of anti-Pakistan posters by a group in Switzerland.

Balochistan is the largest of Pakistan’s four provinces,but people in the restive region have long complained thatthey do not get a fair share of its natural resources.